By: Natasha Archary
The reapplication process for the SASSA R350 Social Relief Grant may see millions turned away from their only financial lifeline. Any applicant receiving financial help from family of R350 or more will not qualify for the grant.
With over 13.4 million people in the country going without an income and 18.3 million reportedly living below the poverty line, SASSA says its trying to ensure only the most needy receive the grant.
The Department of Social Development discussed plans to limit the qualification criteria with Parliament, saying its only budgeted for 10.5 million applications for receive the grant.
In a bid to “cut down” fraudulent claims, the new proposal enforces that anyone who receives more than R350 financial assistance from family a month will no longer qualify.
Previously the threshold amount from family was anything over R590, which meant people did not need government support.
Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu made a written submission to Parliament to clamp-down on whose hands state funds go to.
“The duty is to preserve these funds and aspects of the regulations has to be strengthened in fraud protection and ensuring they go to those who they are intended for. The department will thus be providing the R350 grant to fewer people this time around.”
However, people who have been reliant on these grants say this is just another ploy for government to further delay grant payments.
The previous Covid-19 relief grants lapsed in March, and the grant was later extended to March 2023.
However, the grant which was paid under the Disaster Management Act budget moved to section 32 of the Social Assistance Act from 5 April.
Reapplications were announced in April, which means a majority of applicants have not been paid since March.
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